Silversprite’s Slideshow of UK HE & FE in SL ® ts/ /show/ ts/ /show/

Virtual Worlds: Hype or Reality? Jane Chandler (RL) / Lane Erde (SL) Emma Duke-Williams (RL) / Emmadw Rickenbacker (SL) School of Computing & The ExPERT Centre CETL The ExPERT Centre CETL Work also supported by a grant from the HEA-ICS Subject Centre

online_communities.png Virtual Worlds

What is a virtual world?

Dipity Timeline

What is a Virtual World? Computer based? Rich, graphical, 3-D environment Real people represented by avatars Content may be user created Various combinations of Chat, IM and voice communication May have audio and video streaming May have links out to the web

What is an avatar?

1.The incarnation of a Hindu deity 2.An embodiment, as of a quality or concept; an archetype: the very avatar of cunning 3.A temporary manifestation or aspect of a continuing entity

1.The incarnation of a Hindu deity 2.An embodiment, as of a quality or concept; an archetype: the very avatar of cunning 3.A temporary manifestation or aspect of a continuing entity A representation of a person who is physically absent

“I, Avatar” * “An avatar is an interactive social representation of a user” “A character in a game … in which you can affect, choose or change the plot” “A social creature dancing on the border between fact and fiction” A role we inhabit * Mark Meadows, 2008

Second Life ® : A Virtual World Not a game – no rules, no prizes, no winner, no objective User created/defined content You chose what you look like You chose what you do Socialise, work, educate, create

Uses of SL Business Holding meetings Social / Entertainment Simulations Education

Educational Uses of SL Content Creation: art, software, Simulations: places, events, buildings Classes: lectures, tutorials, ‘treasure hunts’ Libraries and Museums Risky/expensive experiences: running a business, investigating other cultures Other: meetings, socialising

Lion Gate Building, University of Portsmouth

Portland Building, University of Portsmouth

NOAA

Virtual Morocco

NOAA Virtual Morocco Plymouth

Photo from danceinthesky via Flickr Linden Gallery of Resident Art

Photo from danceinthesky via Flickr

Linden Gallery of Resident Art

Harvard Law School

University of Portsmouth

Harvard Law School

University of Portsmouth

Iowa State University: Blooms Taxonomy

How often do the people you interact with see every aspect of you and your life?

Students’ thoughts on learning in a virtual world …

Best thing about Second Life? “Interactivity to explore, relative freedom of expression and overall thoroughly enjoyable.” “Different from the norm...”

Worst thing about SecondLife? “Found myself spending most of the time trying to accomplish basic tasks, rather than complete the coursework assignment.” “Playability was not very good in comparison to other computer games.”

When should/shouldn’t we use SL? “I don’t believe it should be used at all, puts experienced users at a massive disadvantage to nonexperienced users.” “Online meetings in SL was a bonus.”

Other comments. “I thought SL was even more irritating to use than flash within Edcom.” “Definitely a positive part of the course.”

Second Life and other platforms